The Uganda Law Society has officially launched year-long celebrations marking 70 years of defending the rule of law, with activities expected to culminate in December 2026.
The launch brought together legal professionals and regional bar leaders, who praised the society’s long-standing role in promoting justice while raising concerns about recent developments they say threaten judicial independence and legal practice.
Charles Kajama, President of the Law Society of Kenya Law Society of Kenya, commended ULS for its contribution to justice and constitutionalism across the region.
“We should appreciate today’s lawyers for their great work,” Kajama said. “As the East Africa Law Society, we appreciate the solidarity and unity of ULS. We will always come together to support in case of any issues. ULS has fought and resisted lawlessness where some people think they are above the law or below the law.”
He stressed that lawyers are bound by their oath to defend justice without fear or favour.
“Every lawyer takes an oath to fight for the rule of law and administration of justice without fear or favour. Every client is entitled to speak to their lawyer. There should be communication,” he said.
Kajama also raised concerns over the arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor and advocate Erias Lukwago, noting that it was reportedly linked to communication with a client, and warned that such actions raise broader concerns about access to legal representation.
He further criticized the deportation of Kenyan lawyer and Senior Counsel Martha Karua, saying she had been denied entry into Uganda despite having a special licence to practise in the country and serving as lead counsel in a high-profile case.
Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe said the anniversary would go beyond celebration to reaffirm the organisation’s commitment to justice and constitutionalism.
“As we commemorate 70 years of resisting lawlessness, we will be announcing a series of activities,” Asiimwe said.
He announced that one of the planned actions includes a nationwide lawyers’ protest scheduled for June 26, 2026.
“We intend to put all tools down to express our dissatisfaction with the state of the rule of law in Uganda,” he said.
Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament Ann Adeke Ebaju commended the society for promoting women in the legal profession and expressed solidarity with victims of alleged rights violations.
She also referenced the symbolism in the anniversary branding, saying it reflects resilience and the ongoing struggle for justice.
The Uganda Law Society, established in 1956, said the anniversary activities will run throughout the year and are intended to reflect on its contribution to legal practice, constitutional governance, and the promotion of the rule of law in Uganda.
